HELLO Autumn

Something spooky is happening in Loch Lomond this October! Join Loch Lomond Faerie Trail through the eerie ancient forest solving clues in your activity guides as you go. Watch out for the spiders and trolls! The trail will lead you into Faerie Tale Farm where our farm friends are waiting to meet you! Our pop up Pumpkin Patch is located within our farm park where you can purchase your own pumpkins to carve and of course take lots of snaps!

Pre-booking is essential as availability of walk up tickets cannot be guaranteed. Pumpkins can be purchased on site. Tickets from £8.50, children under 2 years old go free.

Running 3 October – 2 November (NOT Wednesdays), find out more by visiting the Faerie Trail website for full booking information

MacGregor’s Gathering, an immersive experience in music, song and dance, is coming to Cove Burgh Hall and Cove Sailing Club on Friday/Saturday the 31st Oct/1 Nov. Hosted by Bruce MacGregor, founder of Blazin’ Fiddles and three times winner of Best Folk Band at the Trad Awards, the weekend includes a video broadcast and open session on Friday, workshops on Saturday morning and a concert and ceilidh on the Saturday night. Details below.

FRIDAY 31st OCTOBER:  COVE SAILING CLUB
15:30 – 16:30 Video recorded session with live audience
17:30 – 19:00 Open Session

SATURDAY 1st NOVEMBER: COVE BURGH HALL
10-12 Workshops: Multi instrument groups on melody, rhythm and song, and Step Dancing with Sophie Stevenson
19:30 MacGregor’s Gathering Concert
21:00 Family Ceilidh

Weekend tickets valid for all events are £20,  £30 for a family ticket.    Single event tickets for either Friday/Sat morning/Saturday evening  £12.50.  Ticket sales will be via the Cove Burgh Hall webpage.

https://coveburghhall.org.uk/events/event/macgregors-gathering/

£8 per person + fee | Ages 16+ (U18’s with adult)
Guided tours every hour Book at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/halloween-horror-trail-tickets-1299253445029

Step into the dark… if you dare.
The Hollowing is a 1km haunted trail through the cursed park of Rosneath — with live actors, terrifying scenes, and an unfolding story of witches, killers, and restless souls.
Expect direct interaction on the night, what you can’t see cant hurt you. But they can see you.

The Castle Isle will be the safety hub for you to spend the night. Join in with the halloween party both before and after the horror trail. Grab a bit to eat and a drink to calm your nerves.

6 immersive horror zones:
The Witch’s Altar / Murder Shack / Drowned Boy / Vampire’s Crypt /Hanging Tree / The Great Escape

The Arts Society Lomond and Argyll have an exciting line-up of events. These are open to Members (free) and Guests (£10) – visit https://www.tasla.org.uk/ to find out about Membership! Lectures are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every Month At Victoria Halls, Helensburgh at 10.30am, with coffee available beforehand from 10am.

9th September 2025 From Downton to Gatsby By Andrew Prince
14th October 2025 The Baroque Country House by Amy Lim
11th November 2025 Tintoretto, painter of the people by Julia Musgrave
9th December 2024 Christmas Ghosts by Kirsty Hartsiosis
13th January 2026 The History of Opera by Jamie Hayes
10th February 2026 The Glasgow Girls by Elaine Hansen
10th March 2026 Bad Behaviour by Mark Fisher
14th April 2026 Poetry, Passion and Painting by Michael Howard
12th May 2026 The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial by Mark Cottle
9th June 2026 History of Embroidery by Susan Kay-Williams

Helensburgh and Gareloch Horticultural Society hold a series of talks, free to members, non members welcome £5, more details on the HGHS website.

10 September Planting the seeds of hope – Horatio’s Garden. Chelsea Lowe.
8 October A social and historical perspective of Geilston Garden. Alana Ingram.
12 November Sally Morgan: Would you be the best judge of the Chelsea Flower Show Garden? Dougal Philip and Lesley Watson, Hoptoun Gardens
14 January Hisotry of the honey bee. Colin Sherwood
14 February: Truly hardy perennials, Helen Knowles.
11 March Introduction to fuchsias with practical demonstration. Andrew Cathcart and Tom Sneddon.
22 April AGM and spring bulb competition

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society run classes and dances from October to March. Full schedule at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ and dances held at Helensburgh Parish Church Hall or Cardross Parish Church Hall. Tickets £12

2025-2026 season
25 October 2-5pm, Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
15 November, 2-5pm Susan MacFadyen, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
9 December (Tuesday Club Christmas Dance), 7.45-10.15pm Màrtainn Skene, Pillar Hall, Victoria Halls
13 December (Christmas Dance), 7.30-10.30pm Sandy Nixon Band, Cardross Parish Church Hall
10 January (Members Dance) 7.30-10pm Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
14 February (Charity Dance) 7.30-10.30pm Ian Muir Duo, Cardross Parish Church Hall
1 March (Nice and Easy Afternoon Dance in aid of Alzheimer Scotland- Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre) 7.30-10.30pm Susan MacFadyen Duo Cardross Parish Church Hall

Plus Half day school and dance 28th March details at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/half-day-school-26/

Ruairidh Gray is a Gaelic singer from Daliburgh on the Isle of South Uist. In 2022 he became the second person ever to have won both the “Bonn Òr a Chomainn” and the “Bonn Òr an t-Seann Nòs” at the Royal National Mòd which was held in Perth. Later that same year, he was voted “MG Alba Gaelic Singer of the Year” at the MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.

He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland last year with a BMus Honours degree in Traditional Music and is currently continuing at RCS studying a masters in Gaelic song. As well as performing and teaching, he makes regular appearances on BBC Alba and BBC Radio Nan Gàidheal both as a performer and broadcaster.

In this workshop Ruairidh will teach you a few songs, going through the pronunciation of the words and going over the songs slowly so everyone goes away able to enjoy singing them. No prior knowledge of Scottish Gaelic needed! The lyrics will be provided for you to take home.

* To book your place, please email: helensburghtradsession@yahoo.com

Venue: Helensburgh Baptist Church Hall, 7 East King Street, Helensburgh, G84 7QQ.
When: Sunday 16th November, 2pm – 5pm
Cost: ‘Pay as you can’ on the day of the workshop (suggested price £10/£15 for those who can afford this)
All ages welcome – under 16s must bring a guardian.

Access information: this workshop will take place on the ground floor, there is a ramp into the building (no stairs) and the venue has a disabled toilet. If you’d like to share any access requirements or adjustments you would like the organiser or workshop tutor to be aware of, please get in touch by email.

This workshop has been made possible with support from the Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig fund. Mòran taing gu Alba Chruthachail, Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus Fèisean nan Gàidheal. Taing gu Eaglais Bhaisteach Baile Eilidh cuideachd.
// Huge thanks to Creative Scotland, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Fèisean nan Gàidheal, and also to Helensburgh Baptist Church for kindly providing the venue.

This workshop is running in association with the Helensburgh trad music session which happens on the first Monday of the month in Helensburgh. All welcome (including under 18s) to join in or listen, see: https://www.facebook.com/HelensburghTradMusicSession

Don’t forget to put the Hermitage Academy Christmas Craft Fair in your diary! The PTA event is renowned as the biggest craft fair in Helensburgh. With over 60 stalls under one roof, we’ve got something for all tastes and budgets. Take your time to browse, buy, and place orders in time for Christmas! Free entry Raffle and table hire proceeds will go back to supporting school clubs. Entertainment from school music groups to get you in the Christmas spirit

Book your table for the 2025 Fair now! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hermitage-academy-pta-christmas-fair-2025-tickets-1571181880299

Come for a drink, a sandwich and an hour of wonderful music being performed. To reserve places so we have an idea of numbers please email: randschurch59@gmail.com Suggested donation £15. Doors open 12.30 (except 28 September, 2.45pm)

2025
1pm – Friday 26th September: Sian Winstanley (vocals), Louise Burnet (flute), Stephen Adam (piano)
3pm – Sunday 28th September: Ainsley Hamill (vocals, harmonium), Sam Kelly (guitar, bass), Toby Shaer (guitar)
1pm – Friday 31st October: Nicholas Wilks (clarinet) and Robert Bridge (piano)
1pm – Friday 28th November: Louise Burnet – flute Hugh Reid – piano, organ Programme of French and Scottish music from Baroque to the present day (including the short solo flute piece written for Ardenconnel Wood, Rhu).
2026
1pm – Friday 30th January: Nikita Lukinov – (Piano)
1pm – Friday 27 Feb Violin/piano TBC
3pm – Sunday 22 March Flutes Unlimited
1pm – Friday 27th March: Ryan Corbett (Accordian)
1pm – Friday 24th April: Trio Alma: Daniella Hathaway – Soprano, Sarah Harrington – Cello, Stephen Adam – Piano

The Cove and Kilcreggan Book Festival invites an impressive line-up of speakers to take part, and provides a rare chance to interact with well-known authors in the friendly environment of Cove Burgh Hall.

Weekend passes for the 12th annual Book Festival on 29th and 30th November are now on sale. https://event list.store/coveburghall/tickets or go to www.coveburghhall.org.uk

£55 will get you in to all 8 events and save you £9! Book early to avoid disappointment.

Single tickets at £8 are the cheapest in Scotland- probably in the U.K. They will go on sale at the end of September.

Full details of the line up will be published shortly, but includes Sally Magnusson, Allan Little and former FM Nicola Sturgeon.

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ceildih Dancing Class.

Sundays 3-4.30pm Helensburgh Parish Church
26 October (first class free)
30 November
21 December

£5 per adult or £10 per family, includes juice and a biscuit, all welcome

Info at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ or Contact Anne Thorn am_thorn@hotmail.co.uk

Start your day with an unforgettable early morning walk through RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond. As dawn breaks, watch thousands of geese take flight from their overnight roosts on the loch and from surrounding areas, as they fly off to their daytime feeding spots. We’ll guide you to a viewpoint at the shore of Loch Lomond, where you can immerse yourself in the early morning wildlife spectacles.

This walk is approximately 2.5 km each way offering opportunities to connect with nature and capture stunning moments along the way. It will be dark on the way down to the loch shore. We recommend wellingtons or sturdy walking boots and don’t forget to dress warmly! The crisp morning air by the loch can be very chilly. The exact meeting time and location will be shared via email to those booked, closer to the event.

6 December 2025 6.40am
14 December 7am
11 January 2026 7am
24 January 6.40am
7 February 6.15am

Book online at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

Dumbarton People’s Theatre brings you this year’s pantomime Snow White (and the Seven Vale Grannies) running 6-13 December (excluding Sunday) at the Denny Civic Theatre, Dumbarton.

Tickets available in November!

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dumbarton-peoples-theatre

The Arts Society Lomond and Argyll have an exciting line-up of events. These are open to Members (free) and Guests (£10) – visit https://www.tasla.org.uk/ to find out about Membership! Lectures are held on the 2nd Tuesday of every Month At Victoria Halls, Helensburgh at 10.30am, with coffee available beforehand from 10am.

9th September 2025 From Downton to Gatsby By Andrew Prince
14th October 2025 The Baroque Country House by Amy Lim
11th November 2025 Tintoretto, painter of the people by Julia Musgrave
9th December 2024 Christmas Ghosts by Kirsty Hartsiosis
13th January 2026 The History of Opera by Jamie Hayes
10th February 2026 The Glasgow Girls by Elaine Hansen
10th March 2026 Bad Behaviour by Mark Fisher
14th April 2026 Poetry, Passion and Painting by Michael Howard
12th May 2026 The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial by Mark Cottle
9th June 2026 History of Embroidery by Susan Kay-Williams

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society run classes and dances from October to March. Full schedule at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ and dances held at Helensburgh Parish Church Hall or Cardross Parish Church Hall. Tickets £12

2025-2026 season
25 October 2-5pm, Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
15 November, 2-5pm Susan MacFadyen, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
9 December (Tuesday Club Christmas Dance), 7.45-10.15pm Màrtainn Skene, Pillar Hall, Victoria Halls
13 December (Christmas Dance), 7.30-10.30pm Sandy Nixon Band, Cardross Parish Church Hall
10 January (Members Dance) 7.30-10pm Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
14 February (Charity Dance) 7.30-10.30pm Ian Muir Duo, Cardross Parish Church Hall
1 March (Nice and Easy Afternoon Dance in aid of Alzheimer Scotland- Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre) 7.30-10.30pm Susan MacFadyen Duo Cardross Parish Church Hall

Plus Half day school and dance 28th March details at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/half-day-school-26/

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society run classes and dances from October to March. Full schedule at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ and dances held at Helensburgh Parish Church Hall or Cardross Parish Church Hall. Tickets £12

2025-2026 season
25 October 2-5pm, Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
15 November, 2-5pm Susan MacFadyen, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
9 December (Tuesday Club Christmas Dance), 7.45-10.15pm Màrtainn Skene, Pillar Hall, Victoria Halls
13 December (Christmas Dance), 7.30-10.30pm Sandy Nixon Band, Cardross Parish Church Hall
10 January (Members Dance) 7.30-10pm Matthew Maclennan, Helensburgh Parish Church Hall
14 February (Charity Dance) 7.30-10.30pm Ian Muir Duo, Cardross Parish Church Hall
1 March (Nice and Easy Afternoon Dance in aid of Alzheimer Scotland- Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre) 7.30-10.30pm Susan MacFadyen Duo Cardross Parish Church Hall

Plus Half day school and dance 28th March details at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/half-day-school-26/

Start your day with an unforgettable early morning walk through RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond. As dawn breaks, watch thousands of geese take flight from their overnight roosts on the loch and from surrounding areas, as they fly off to their daytime feeding spots. We’ll guide you to a viewpoint at the shore of Loch Lomond, where you can immerse yourself in the early morning wildlife spectacles.

This walk is approximately 2.5 km each way offering opportunities to connect with nature and capture stunning moments along the way. It will be dark on the way down to the loch shore. We recommend wellingtons or sturdy walking boots and don’t forget to dress warmly! The crisp morning air by the loch can be very chilly. The exact meeting time and location will be shared via email to those booked, closer to the event.

6 December 2025 6.40am
14 December 7am
11 January 2026 7am
24 January 6.40am
7 February 6.15am

Book online at https://events.rspb.org.uk/lochlomond

Helensburgh and District Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ceildih Dancing Class.

Sundays 3-4.30pm Helensburgh Parish Church
26 October (first class free)
30 November
21 December

£5 per adult or £10 per family, includes juice and a biscuit, all welcome

Info at https://rscds-helensburgh.org.uk/ or Contact Anne Thorn am_thorn@hotmail.co.uk